Limerick fans invaded the Gaelic Grounds pitch as the final whistle sounded in Sunday’s Munster hurling decider against Cork and their 17 year wait for a provincial title came to an end.

John Allen’s team were full value for their 0-24 to 0-15 win over a Cork side reduced to 14 men when Pat Horgan was sent-off on the stroke of half-time.

Cork native and former Rebels boss Allen said afterwards: “It’s a great day for the Limerick players and for the fans and all the credit should go to the players. They have worked so hard for this.”

The Dublin footballers also tasted provincial glory at the weekend when they followed the hurlers lead to win the Leinster title.

Meath led by two points at half-time in Croke Park but Dublin pulled away with a strong second-half performance to win by seven points, 2-15 to 0-14.

Dublin boss Jim Gavin said: “Credit must go to Meath because they gave us the stiffest test we have come across this season and we needed that.”

Kilkenny marched on in the hurling qualifiers with an extra-time win over Waterford on Saturday night when Clare also needed extra-time to beat Wexford.

The football qualifiers saw wins for Armagh, Kildare, Wexford and Cavan.

Kildare will now play Tyrone in Naas in the next round of the qualifiers with Galway drawn at home to Armagh.

Derry host Cavan and Wexford will welcome Laois to Wexford Park in the games to be played next weekend.